2019 Irish Explorer - 9 Days/8 Nights

2019 Irish Explorer 9 Days / 8 Nights / 16 Meals

Day 1: Dublin Touring & Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Tour begins 2:00 PM at the Clontarf Castle lobby, a short ride from Dublin Airport, a few miles to the north of Dublin city center. Head out for a tour of central Dublin with a local guide to see elegant Georgian squares, public buildings, and monuments. Visit Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland’s national cemetery, a who’s who of modern Irish history. Join your group for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the castle hotel.
(D)

Day 2: Florence Court House & Blakes Pub
Visit Florence Court House, where the original Irish yew tree was planted in 1767 – and still thrives today. Tour the magnifi cent 18th-century mansion. Next, a CIE Tours exclusive: visit Blakes of the Hollow Pub, a Victorian bar that retains many features original to its founding in 1887. Famed author John McGahern, a regular visitor, described it as “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland”. Continue your travels north to Donegal. With a beautiful rugged landscape where sheep thrive, Donegal is renowned for wool and tweed production.
(B, D)

Day 3: Slieve League Cliffs & Glengesh
Head to Teelin to reach the best viewing point of the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Afterwards, sample home-baked scones with coffee or tea. Travel along the coast then head inland through the majestic Glengesh Pass for views of mountains and valleys to Donegal Town, a busy shopping town which was once a Viking port. Head to Ardara where you will watch demonstrations of spinning and weaving at a local woolen shop. Enjoy an early dinner with a drink and music at the popular Nancy’s in Ardara.
(B, D)

Day 4: Belleek Pottery & Galway
Discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship during a tour of Belleek Pottery. You’ll go behind the scenes to see how this world-famous fi ne china is made. Travel south to Galway and embark on a cruise of Lough Corrib for unsurpassed views of castles and various sites of both historical and cultural interest (March 31 – October 27 departures).
(B, D)

Day 5: Scenic Connemara & Dan O’Hara Homestead
Traverse scenic Connemara to admire how constantly changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Stop at the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where craftsmen demonstrate fi ne glass cutting. Travel through the picturesque scenery of hills and lakes to visit Dan O’Hara’s Homestead. Explore traditional methods of farming, see Connemara ponies, and have a light lunch. Return to Galway and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.
(B, L)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive through Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk to O’Brien’s Tower for views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Drive through the pleasant countryside of County Clare, which is dotted with ruined castles. Embark on a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Arrive in Killarney and partake of the Whiskey Experience with dinner that includes a chocolate tasting.
(B, D)

Day 7: Ring of Kerry Tour
Head out to the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most famous and popular scenic drive. Look out at Skellig Michael, a rocky offshore island that was featured in the fi lm “Star Wars VII”. Immerse yourself in farm life with a sheepdog demonstration of herding fl ocks. Continue on the scenic drive, pausing for panoramic mountain views at Moll’s Gap. Return to Killarney for some free time and dinner at your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 8: Blarney Castle & Abbey Tavern
Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or take a gentle walk through the lovely parklands and colorful gardens. Treat yourself to Irish-made goods at the Blarney Woollen Mills before traveling north. Head to the Abbey Tavern in Howth, a scenic Dublin suburb, for Irish cuisine, and an evening of lively entertainment.
(B, D)

Day 9: Your Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Authentic Local Experiences

• Gain unique insight into the historyand heritage at Dan O’Hara’s Homestead, and enjoy a farmhouse lunch.
• Enjoy a pint and see the handcrafted “Game of Thrones” door from the trees at Blakes of the Hollow Pub.

Dining Experiences

• 8 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 7 dinners (D) including a welcome dinner, Nancy’s Bar in Ardara, and Abbey Tavern traditional Irish dinner and show.

Trip Highlights

• Belleek Pottery
  
  

  Belleek Pottery

  Established in 1857 Belleek Pottery was established to provide employment in the area by making household fixtures. Later the company started production of place settings and ornamental pieces in fine Parian china and you can see production from clay to finish on a factory tour.

• Blakes of the Hollow Pub – a CIE Tours exclusive
• Blarney Castle
  
  

  Blarney Castle

  Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, this stronghold has been attracting attention ever since. Millions have flocked to Blarney to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower, making it one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

• Cliffs of Moher
• Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory
  
  

  Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory

  Celtic Crystal was founded in 1972. This family-run business has been pioneering the incorporation of Celtic Designs and Gaelic Motifs into its ornate Irish Crystal and it is proud to claim leadership in this field.

• Dan O’Hara’s Homestead
• Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
  
  

  Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

  This is the world's first cemetery museum. A guided tour gives a valuable insight into this unique Victorian burial place and into the final resting place of the men and women who have helped shape Ireland’s past and present.

• Florence Court House
  
  

  Florence Court House

  Florence Court is romantically named after the wife of Sir John Cole who first built a house on the spectacular site in the early 18th century. The present Palladian style house was probably built by his son John, afterwards the 1st Lord Mount Florence. The wings and Pavilion were added to the mid-18th century block around 1770 by Wm Cole, 1st Earl of Enniskillen and may have been designed by Davis Ducart. Disaster struck Florence Court in 1955 when the main building was virtually gutted by fire.

• Whiskey Experience in Killarney
• Sheepdog Demonstration
• Slieve League Cliffs
  
  

  Slieve League Cliffs

  These are the highest sea cliffs in Europe where an almost sheer drop of 2,000 feet separates the Atlantic Ocean from the highest point of the cliffs. Enjoy amazing views of relatively unknown and unspoiled nature.

Hotels

• Clontarf Castle Hotel | Dublin (1)
  
  

  Clontarf Castle Hotel | Dublin | 4*

  This hotel, steeped in Irish history, offers guests all the charm and splendor of a royal experience. The magnificent entrance hall, tapestry adorned walls, mysterious doorways and roaring fires create a luxurious, old-world feeling while guest rooms all boast modern amenities for a comfortable visit. Enjoy unique restaurants and bars. This hotel is located in the pleasant and peaceful suburb of Clontarf. 3 miles or 20 minutes' drive to Dublin city center by taxi. Convenient for Dublin Airport which is 20 minutes away. Hotel parking.

• Mill Park Hotel | Donegal (2)
  
  

  Mill Park Hotel | Donegal | 4*

  A warm welcome awaits you at this hotel which is built around its unique-styled Granary, along with a choice of 2 restaurants, bar and lounge. The restaurants specialize in local fresh produce, especially seafood from the nearby fishing port of Killybegs. 100 luxurious bedrooms ensure a great stay and use the fully equipped leisure and wellness center. Set in a quiet rural setting two miles from Donegal town. The hotel is a perfect base for touring County Donegal, including the awesome Slieve League Sea Cliffs. Hotel parking.

• Hotel Meyrick | Galway (2)
  
  

  Hotel Meyrick | Galway | 4*

  This property opened in 1852 but has undergone many extensive renovations since then. Today the hotel combines old-world charm with a modern approach to guest comfort. Guest rooms are decorated in contemporary themes. Enjoy the Oyster Grill Restaurant, one of Galway’s foremost restaurants, the tranquil Oyster Bar and the casual menu and fun of O’Flaherty’s Bar. Experience the rooftop leisure club with views of Galway Bay. It is located on Eyre Square, in the very heart of Galway city with all attractions and shops nearby.

• Killarney Avenue Hotel | Killarney (2)
  
  

  Killarney Avenue Hotel | Killarney | 4*

  The contemporary hotel offers all the modern comforts that you would expect in a superior hotel. Well-appointed rooms provide guests with every convenience to create a country retreat in the heart of town. Druid’s Restaurant provides a perfect blend of local and classical cuisine. Guests may use leisure facilities of the nearby sister hotel. Set right in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs. Also close to the jaunting car stand and the peaceful Killarney National Park. Hotel parking.

• Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (1)
  
  

  Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin | 4*

  This modern, bright property offers guests style and comfort with modern amenities. The bright, contemporary guest rooms feature king or twin beds, air conditioning and hi-speed internet. The Pavilion Restaurant serves a superior quality breakfast buffet with traditional full Irish breakfast as well as other choices. Located in the upmarket suburb of Ballsbridge, it’s a 30-minute walk to the city center and there is frequent city bus and taxi services. Adjacent to the peaceful Herbert Park, the U.S. Embassy and the RDS Showgrounds. Hotel parking.